Exclusive head appointed to KEA to streamline CET process

The Common Entrance Test (CET) is set to take place in two weeks time, and the new arrangement of having a separate head for the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), that conducts the exam, is expected to streamline the processes such as verification, seat allotments.   

Earlier, the director of the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) also held the charge of the executive director of KEA. On February 10, an order was issued where D S Ramesh, who was the then DPUE director and KEA executive director was given exclusive charge of the latter while Pallavi Akurathi was made DPUE director. 

Explaining the move, Bharat Lal Meena, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department said: “Both the posts are independent and have different mandates. We wanted to post someone separately so that each concentrates better on their tasks and work with lesser tension with their undivided attention.” Meena said that the arrangement should expedite various processes under the CET.

 A KEA official said that when PU director was heading the CET cell, they were more pre-occupied with PU matters and hardly had time for CET. “The director would spend most of the time at the PU board. Just getting files cleared related to the KEA was also a difficult. With a head exclusively for KEA, it has become easier and files are cleared faster.”

 A member of a private college management associations said separate arrangements would bring more clarity. “There is a constant need to monitor this area as there are high chances of manipulation. One dedicated officer can minimise such indulgences.”

As many as 15,700 lecturers reported for valuation of II PU exam answer scripts at all 46 centres said Ramegowda, director, DPUE.